The Lemon Index
20041st generation
Better than average · most complaints: steering
Fewest complaints of its generation (1st generation).
36 owner complaints, first 3 years — combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Chevrolet Tracker 942003 Oldsmobile Bravada2003 GMC Yukon XL 111
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 12,000 and 36,000 miles (19,000–58,000 km) (the middle half of the 21 complaints, of all 36 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 08V456000 (visibility), 06E010000 (steering) and 04V045000 (brakes) done? It has 5 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Hummer sent dealers 750 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Hummer's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 36 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 36K miles (19K to 58K km) on the car (21 of all 36 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Driver's side front wheel collapsed while making a left turn at 10 mph. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop. Later, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the steering knuckle broke.
2003 Hummer H2 owner · NHTSA complaint 10106864
More owner reports
Two cable straps holding hood on 2003 Hummer h2 broke
NHTSA complaint 10096131
Consumer was going 70 mph and the two front tires locked, while the two back tires kept moving. Vehicle then continued to skip. The driveshaft was replaced.
NHTSA complaint 10103378
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 20.4M views · 2003–2009 Hummer H2
Most-watched topics
- Heat, A/C & blend door127K views
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 hummer resistor repair. Fan not blowing on hummer h2 both Ac and heat fanVito Mirra · 62K views · 3 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical101K views
How to program A Hummer H2 remote key fob 2003 - 2007PYR Automotive · 91K views · 2 videos - Steering & suspension78K views
Wheel bearing hub assembly replacement Hummer H2 2005 GMC Cheverolet 2001-2007Fixing cars and stuff · 52K views · 2 videos - Driveshaft, axles & 4x435K views
How to use 2007 Hummer H2 4x4 and rear lock4x4 Rides · 35K views
Show 4 more
- Timing chain & engine35K views
2003 HUMMER H2 6.0L - ENGINE MISFIRE DIAGNOSISSuper Mario Diagnostics · 24K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service29K views
How to Change Engine Oil & Filter on HUMMER H2 | 2006 H2 HUMMEREasy Steps · 29K views - Windows, doors & mirrors28K views
Hummer H2 Rear Window Regulator Replacement & Repair. 2003-2009 Hummer H2 2003-2009 RearPower Up Auto · 21K views · 2 videos - Fuel pump, filter & tank17K views
2003 Hummer H2 Gas Tank Removal Fuel Pump/Sending Unit Replacement Part 1Patrick Murphy · 17K views
Before you buy, watch
Hummer H2 2003 to 2009 common problems, issues, defects and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 23K views
2003 HUMMER H2 PROBLEMSLifeissimple · 21K views
2003 hummer h2 problemsFelix Rosario · 10K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2003 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Hummer told dealers about
Hummer sent dealers 750 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel
- Wind noise or whistle is present around the front driver or passenger door in the area of the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 5
- Visibility · recall issued 2008
GM IS RECALLING 13,358 MY 2003 HUMMER H2 VEHICLES.
- Steering · recall issued 2006
CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS.
- Brakes · recall issued 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED…
Show all 5 recalls
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2003
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITI…
- Visibility · recall issued 2002
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD FAIL DURING USE BECAUSE OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURE.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedWindshield wiper motor module failure2008
- ClosedHummer h2 steering knuckle failures2005–2007
- ClosedSteering knuckle fracture2004–2005
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Every Hummer H2 year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 7 Hummer H2 years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Quick answers
Is the 2003 Hummer H2 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew somewhat fewer complaints than the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 83; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2003 Hummer H2 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (28%), body structure (19%) and suspension (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Hummer H2 have?
5 safety recalls (latest: visibility). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage do 2003 Hummer H2 problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 12,000 and 36,000 miles (19,000–58,000 km) (the middle half of the 21 complaints, of all 36 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2003 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2003 Hummer H2 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
Is there a better Hummer H2 year than the 2003?
Not nearby: the 2003 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Hummer H2 years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works